The Trump Foundation, a charitable organization established by former US President Donald Trump, became embroiled in a significant scandal involving illegal political contributions and subsequent attempts to conceal the wrongdoing. This timeline details the key events surrounding the scandal, highlighting the foundation’s illegal donation to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi’s political group and the ensuing investigations.
The Beginning of the Trump Foundation Scandal
The Trump Foundation scandal began to unfold with a series of complaints regarding Trump University and related entities. These complaints, coupled with a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, set the stage for a complex web of legal and ethical breaches.
Early Complaints Against Trump University (2008-2013)
Between February 2008 and May 2011, the Florida Office of the Attorney General (OAG) received at least 22 complaints about Trump University, the Trump Institute, and associated entities. These complaints alleged various fraudulent practices and deceptive conduct. In August 2013, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump, the Trump Entrepreneur Institute (also known as Trump University), and its former president for “engaging in persistent fraudulent, illegal, and deceptive conduct.” The Orlando Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post reported in September 2013 that the Florida OAG was reviewing the allegations in the New York lawsuit.
The Illegal Donation and Initial Cover-Up (2013)
On September 17, 2013, the Donald J. Trump Foundation made a $25,000 contribution to And Justice for All, a political group supporting Pam Bondi’s campaign for Florida Attorney General. This donation was illegal because 501(c)(3) private foundations, like the Trump Foundation, are prohibited from engaging in political activities. Furthermore, the donation was personally solicited by Bondi from Trump, raising concerns about a potential quid pro quo.
Shortly after the donation, the Florida OAG downplayed the number of complaints it had received against Trump University, claiming it had only received one complaint. This contradicted earlier statements and internal emails revealed that OAG employees had actively removed complaints related to Trump Institute and related entities to support this false claim.
Alt: Donald Trump and Pam Bondi shaking hands at a public event.
CREW’s Investigation and Escalating Scandal (2016)
In March 2016, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) discovered the illegal $25,000 donation and filed a complaint against the Trump Foundation. Trump representatives admitted to the illegal donation, attributing it to a series of clerical errors. However, CREW’s investigation continued to uncover further discrepancies and questionable practices, leading to additional complaints and legal actions.
CREW’s Complaints and Bondi’s Denial (2016)
CREW filed multiple complaints against the Trump Foundation and Pam Bondi, alleging violations of tax laws, ethical breaches, and potential bribery. Bondi denied any wrongdoing, claiming she was unaware of the complaints against Trump University when she solicited the donation.
Alt: Noah Bookbinder, CREW Executive Director, speaking at a podium.
Expanding the Scope of the Investigation (2016)
CREW’s investigation expanded to include other aspects of the Trump Foundation’s operations, uncovering further instances of potential self-dealing and misuse of funds. These revelations led to additional IRS complaints and calls for criminal investigations.
The Aftermath and Shutdown of the Trump Foundation (2016)
As the scandal gained momentum and public scrutiny intensified, the Trump Foundation faced mounting legal challenges and negative press. In December 2016, Trump announced the foundation would be shut down. CREW released a statement acknowledging the shutdown but emphasizing the need for continued accountability.
Unanswered Questions and Lasting Impact
Despite the shutdown of the Trump Foundation, several questions remain unanswered. The scandal highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability within the foundation’s operations, raising concerns about the potential for abuse and misuse of charitable funds. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to legal regulations for charitable organizations.
FAQs
What was the main violation committed by the Trump Foundation? The primary violation was an illegal $25,000 donation to a political group supporting Pam Bondi, which is prohibited for charitable foundations.
What role did CREW play in uncovering the scandal? CREW’s investigation revealed the illegal donation and subsequent cover-up attempts, leading to further scrutiny and legal action.
What was the outcome of the scandal? The Trump Foundation was ultimately shut down amidst the controversy and legal challenges.
What are the broader implications of the Trump Foundation scandal? The scandal underscores the importance of transparency and accountability for charitable organizations and the potential consequences of unethical conduct.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and questions in the comments section below. Your insights and perspectives are valuable to our ongoing discussion of this important topic.
